Standard Life Investments, the leading asset manager and investment solutions provider, has appointed WCRS to promote its sponsorship of the British & Irish Lions 2017 tour of New Zealand. Standard Life is the principal partner and jersey sponsor of the Lions and creative work developed by WCRS will run globally across key financial centres including London, Hong Kong and in the USA.

WCRS won the business following a three-way pitch against VCCP and the incumbent, Mohawk. WCRS will create work across all channels and has been briefed to communicate SLI’s involvement at all key points from the squad announcement all the way through the tour and the test matches.

Nuala Walsh, Global Head of Marketing and Relationship Management at Standard Life Investments said: “After three excellent pitches we felt that WCRS stood out for their combination of strategic rigour and creative flair and we look forward to working with them.”

Standard Life Investments will sponsor the world famous Lions jersey in a deal that replaces the association with HSBC. At the time of announcing the deal, British & Irish Lions CEO John Feehan said “We wanted a partner who shared the same values of respect, integrity, discipline and friendship, we have found that partner in Standard Life Investments. We are looking forward to working with Standard Life Investments, a brand that is synonymous with excellence as we head into the ultimate challenge against the double world champions.”